Bottle-Feeding (Formula) Questions

Is this your child's symptom?

  • Formula and bottle-feeding questions

Topics Covered for Formula Feeding

If your baby is healthy, skip the "What to Do" section. Go directly to the topic number that relates to your question for advice:

  1. Types of formulas
  2. Switching formulas and milk allergies
  3. Powdered versus liquid formulas
  4. Whole cow's milk, 2%, 1% and skim milk
  5. Vitamins and iron
  6. Water to mix with the formula
  7. Extra water
  8. Amounts: how much per feeding?
  9. Schedules or frequency of feedings
  10. Length of feedings
  11. Night feedings: how to eliminate?
  12. Formula temperature
  13. Formula storage
  14. Cereals and other solids
  15. Burping
  16. Baby bottle tooth decay
  17. Traveling
  18. Nipples and bottles
  19. Normal stools
  20. Breast discomfort

When to Call for Bottle-Feeding (Formula) Questions

Call 911 Now

  • Can't wake up
  • Not moving or very weak
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Age less than 1 month old and looks or acts abnormal in any way
  • Dehydration suspected. No urine in more than 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth and no tears.
  • Will not drink or drinks very little for more than 8 hours
  • Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Does not seem to be gaining enough weight
  • You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Bottle-feeding question about a healthy baby

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Bottle (Formula) Feeding

  1. Types of Formulas:
    • Milk-protein formulas, soy-protein formulas, and hydrolysate formulas
    • Soy formulas don't contain lactose or cow's milk protein. Currently, 20% of infants in the U.S. are fed soy formula. Often, switching to soy is not done with a valid reason.
    • Hydrolysate formulas mean the protein is broken down. These are advised when children are sensitive to both soy and milk protein.
  2. Switching Formulas and Milk Allergies:
    • Switching from one milk-based formula to another is not helpful for any symptom. It is also not harmful.
    • Switching from milk formula to soy formula is sometimes helpful for severe diarrhea. This may occur from temporary low lactase levels. It may also be used for those families who are vegetarian.
    • Switching from milk formula to soy is sometimes helpful for cow's milk allergy. A cow's milk allergy occurs in 1-2% of infants. Most often, protein hydrolysate formulas (such as Alimentum) are advised. This is because 15% of these infants are also allergic to soy protein.
    • Switching formulas for frequent crying, spitting up or gas is rarely helpful.
    • Don't switch formulas without talking with your child's doctor.
  3. Powdered versus Liquid Formulas:
    • Formulas come in 3 forms: powder, concentrated liquid and ready-to-feed liquid.
    • Concentrated formulas are mixed 1:1 with water.
    • Ready-to-feed formulas do not need any added water.
    • Powdered formulas are mixed 2 ounces (60 mL) of water per each level scoop of powder. Never add extra water because dilute formula can cause a seizure.
    • Powdered formula costs the least. Ready-to-feed formula costs the most.
    • Powdered formula is the easiest to use to supplement breastfeeding.
    • Ready-to-feed formula is the easiest to use for traveling.
  4. Whole Cow's Milk, 1%, 2% and Skim Milk:
    • Cow's milk should not be given to babies before 12 months of age. Reason: raises risk of iron deficiency anemia.
    • Skim milk (fat free milk), 1% low fat milk or 2% milk should not be used before 2 years. Reason: the fat content of whole cow's milk (3.5%) is required. It is needed for rapid brain growth.
  5. Vitamins and Iron:
    • For all infants, use a formula that has iron in it. This helps to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
    • The iron amount in iron-fortified formulas is too small to cause any symptoms. Iron in formulas does not cause constipation or diarrhea.
    • Iron-fortified formulas contain all the vitamins and minerals needed.
    • Extra vitamins are therefore not needed for infants taking formula.
    • Fluoride. Babies no longer need to take fluoride drops. Reason: the fluoride in toothpaste works very well. For children at high risk for tooth decay, your dentist may use fluoride varnish.
  6. Water to Mix With the Formula:
    • Most city water supplies are safe for making 1 bottle at a time. Run the cold tap water for 1 minute. Don't use warm tap water. Reason: to avoid potential lead exposure. Heat cold water to desired temperature. Add this to powder or formula concentrate.
    • Exceptions:
      • Untested well water or
      • City water with recent contamination or
      • Developing countries with unsafe water supply or
      • Your child has decreased immunity.
      • For these conditions, use distilled water, bottled water, or filtered tap water.
      • Another option is to use city water or well water that has been boiled. Boil for 10 minutes. Add 1 extra minute per each 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation.
      • Bottled water costs more than distilled water.
      • If making a batch of formula, distilled, bottled or boiled water is needed.
  7. Extra Water:
    • Babies less than 6 months of age should not be given any extra water. Reason: regular formula is 85% water. Also, water can cause harm at this age.
    • Infants older than 6 months of age can have some extra water. Reason: water may be needed after starting solid foods or if weather is very hot. Safe at this age.
    • Limit water for infants age 6 to 12 months: don't give more than 4 ounces (120 mL) of extra water per day. On hot days, can give up to 8 ounces (240 mL) per day (AAP).
  8. Amounts - How Much Per Feeding: Newborn to 6 Months Old
    • The average amount of formula that babies take per feeding is:
    • Newborn: 1-2 ounces (30-60 mL) per feeding
    • 1 month old: 3-4 ounces (90-120 mL) per feeding
    • 2 months old: 5 ounces (150 mL) per feeding
    • 4 months old: 6 ounces (180 mL) per feeding
    • 6 months old: 7-8 ounces (210-240 mL) per feeding
    • The amount can vary depending on the baby's weight and if the baby is going through a growth spurt.
    • A baby's appetite varies throughout the day. If the infant stops feeding or loses interest, the feeding should be stopped.
    • If healthy babies are not hungry at several feedings, increase the feeding interval.
    • The most amount of formula advised per day is 32 ounces (1 liter).
    • Over-feeding can cause vomiting, diarrhea or too much weight gain.
    • If your baby needs over 32 ounces (1 liter), talk to your doctor about starting solids.
    • Get rid of any formula left in bottle at end of each feeding. Do not reuse this leftover formula. Reason: contains germs that can grow.
  9. Frequency of Feedings (Schedules): Babies mainly need to be fed when they are hungry. If your baby is fussy and it's been more than 2 hours, feed him. Some guidelines are listed below:
    • From birth to 3 months of age, feed every 2 to 3 hours.
    • From 3 to 9 months of age, feed every 3 to 4 hours.
    • Infants often set their own schedule by 1 to 2 months of age.
  10. Length of Feedings:
    • Feedings shouldn't take more than 20 minutes.
    • If the feeding is prolonged, check the nipple to be sure it isn't clogged.
    • A clean nipple should drip about 1 drop per second. Check this when the bottle of formula is turned upside down.
  11. Night Feedings - How to Get Rid of Them:
    • Most newborns need to be fed at least twice each night.
    • Most formula-fed babies give up night feedings by 4 months of age. The tips below can help your baby sleep for longer stretches during the night:
    • Keep daytime feeding intervals to at least 2 hours. Slowly stretch them to 3 hours.
    • During daytime, your baby shouldn't sleep for more than 3 hours at a time. If your baby naps longer than that, wake him for a feeding.
    • Place your baby in the crib drowsy but awake. Don't bottle-feed or rock until asleep.
    • Make middle-of-the-night feedings brief and boring compared to daytime feedings. Don't turn on the lights or talk to your child. Feed him rather quickly.
  12. Formula Temperature:
    • Most babies like formula at body temperature.
    • In the summertime, some infants prefer formula that's cooler.
    • In the wintertime, some prefer warm formula.
    • The best temperature is the one your infant prefers. Either way, there's no health risk involved.
    • Just make sure the formula is not too hot. Reason: it can burn your baby's mouth.
  13. Formula Storage:
    • If you can, make your child's formula fresh for each feed. However, if formula needs to be made ahead of time:
    • Prepared formula should be stored in the refrigerator. It must be used within 24 hours.
    • Open cans of formula should also be kept in the refrigerator. They should be covered and used within 24 hours.
    • Prepared formula left at room temperature for more than 1 hour should be discarded.
    • Leftover used formula should always be tossed. Reason: contains germs that can grow.
  14. Cereals and Other Solids:
    • Bottle-fed infants should be started on baby foods around 6 months of age. First baby foods can be cereals and/or fruit.
    • Starting before 6 months is not needed. Starting before 6 months makes feedings messier and longer. Early use of solids can also cause gagging.
    • Solids don't increase sleeping through the night for bottle-fed infants.
    • Delaying solids past 9 months of age is not advised. The delay runs the risk that your infant will refuse solids.
  15. Burping:
    • It is not harmful if a baby doesn't burp.
    • Burping is an option, but not required.
    • It can decrease spitting up, but it doesn't lessen crying.
    • Burping can be done twice per feeding, once midway and once at the end.
    • If your baby does not burp after 1 minute of patting, it can be stopped.
  16. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:
    • Some older infants and toddlers are used to a bottle before sleeping.
    • Falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice can cause severe tooth decay.
    • Prevent this bad habit by not using the bottle as a pacifier. Also, do not use the bottle as a security object.
    • If you cannot stop the bottles, fill it with water. Use water instead of formula or milk at bedtime.
  17. Traveling:
    • Use bottles of ready-to-feed formula (most expensive).
    • Or mix formula ahead of travel and carry in a cold insulated container.
    • Or use powered formula. Put the required number of scoops in a bottle. Carry clean water in a separate bottle. Mix before each feeding.
  18. Nipples and Bottles:
    • Any nipple/bottle products are fine.
    • It is not necessary to sterilize bottles or nipples. Wash them with soap and water. Rinse them thoroughly.
    • It is also safe to wash bottles and nipples in the dishwasher.
  19. Formula-fed Stools, Normal:
    • Meconium Stools are dark greenish-black, thick and sticky. They normally are passed during the first 3 days of life.
    • Transitional Stools are a mix of meconium and milk stools. They are greenish-brown and looser. They are passed day 4 to 5 of life.
    • Normal Milk Stools without any meconium are seen from day 6 on.
    • Formula-fed babies pass 1 to 8 stools per day during the first week. Then it starts to slow down to 1 to 4 per day. This lasts until 2 months of age.
    • The stools are yellow in color and thick like peanut butter. Green stools are also normal (usually caused by bile).
    • After 2 months of age, most babies pass 1 or 2 stools per day. They can also pass 1 every other day. They are soft and solid.
  20. Breast Discomfort in Bottle-feeding Mothers:
    • Even though you chose not to breastfeed, your breasts will make milk. Breast milk comes in on day 2 or 3. Swollen breasts can be painful for a few days. Here is what to do:
    • Ibuprofen. Take 400 mg of ibuprofen (such as Advil) 3 times per day. This will help to lessen pain and swelling. There's no special prescription medicine for this.
    • Cold Pack. Use a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth. Put it on your breasts for 20 minutes. Do this as often as needed. This will decrease milk production. Do not use heat. Heat will increase milk production.
    • Pumping. For moderate pain, hand express or pump off a little breast milk. This will help to reduce your pain. Pumping breast milk can increase milk production. But, doing this to take the edge off your discomfort is not harmful.
    • Bra. Wear a bra that offers good breast support or a sports bra. Wear it 24 hours a day.
    • Binding. Binding the breasts by wearing a tight bra is no longer advised. Binding by using an elastic wrap is also not advised. Binding can increase the risk of breast infections (mastitis).

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 10/11/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.